Parallels updates Desktop 4.0 for Mac

Parallels has released a revised version of Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac, adding a handful of new features such as improved DirectX support for gamers and experimental support for coming versions of Windows and Mac OS X. Skip related content
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Launched in November 2008, Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac uses virtualisation to enable users of Intel-based Apple computers to run Windows applications seamlessly alongside their OS X software.

The Build 3810 update adds several enhancements based on early feedback from users, according to a spokesman for the firm.

Among these is DirectX 9.0 with Shaders Model 2 support, providing a better experience for users running PC games. Parallels has also added support for Intel's SSE4 instructions.

Among other improvements, Windows now automatically starts in the background whenever a Windows application is opened on the Mac desktop, while users can drag Windows files directly to Mac applications in the OS X Dock.

Parallels also claims to have made Desktop 4.0 for Mac more efficient, needing less CPU power to run and therefore extending the battery life when running on a MacBook.

The update adds experimental support for the forthcoming Snow Leopard version of OS X as the host platform, and also for Windows 7 running inside a virtual machine.